Tori Carrington Skin Deep

Skin Deep

Tori Carrington

Silhouette, Jan 2006

ISBN: 0373470509

In Tampa, Florida, though he hides his feelings, Michael Romano, a partner in an architect firm, knows that he wants the company's bookkeeper, his best bud Kyra White, as his own, though he fears risking their friendship in any attempt to romance her. Following her latest rejection from some office loser, Michael takes Kyra to her favorite spot, a bookstore. Tired of male rebuffs, Kyra buys Sex Kitten 101, planning to remake her image from competent numbers manager to sexy siren.

From her hair to her lip gloss and clothing, Kyra radically changes her appearance. Men, including a recent rejecter, desire her, but one kiss makes Kyra realize that she wants Michael. As they fall in love, Kyra quits her job because of an embezzlement charge hanging over her head. Additionally, Michael detests introducing his beloved to his parents, because he feels ashamed of their old country ways. Thus, what easily should be a love of a lifetime built on passion and friendship, appears doomed.

SKIN DEEP is a well-written torrid romance that reminds this reviewer of a General Hospital sub-tale (included Carl Anderson's song Friends and Lovers). The storyline is what readers expect from the talented writing team of Tori Carrington, as the plot emanates heat from the two delightful lead characters. Though the embezzlement is interesting, the tension between Kyra and Michael is so hot that the money stealing becomes a minor nuisance rather than a strong subplot. Fans of equatorial relationships will want to read this tale, because no one turns up the solar heat quite like this author team does.